2/06/2013

And just like that, Disney's plan for the Star Wars universe is coming into focus. The last two days have seen a flurry of information, not necessarily about Episode VII, but on the franchise as a whole. Just a couple of days after a Yoda spinoff film was rumored, which was basically confirmed by Disney CEO Bob Iger who said that multiple stand-alone films were in the works, now comes word of exactly what those projects will entail.EW reports that two of these projects will center on Boba Fett and a young Han Solo. Presumably this would be along with the Yoda project, so that's three we can bank on right now. The Han Solo film will take place between Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope, and will feature the return of Harrison Ford to set it up the story as a framing device. Ford had been rumored to come back months ago, along with Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher.

The Boba Fett project is a bit sketchier. It could take place on either side of The Empire Strikes Back, and personally I'd prefer to see him after, lugging around Han Solo in carbonite. Actually, I'd like to see him immediately following the whole Sarlaac pit incident in Return of the Jedi.

I have my doubts if these solo films are a good idea or not. Boba Fett is already over-exposed as a character. He's sort of like the Wolverine of the Star Wars universe. All of the mystery that made him cool is long gone. Disney may be better served creating whole new characters who can be built into the larger framework for future movies, but those obviously aren't as immediately marketable.It remains to be seen what Lawrence Kasdan and Simon Kinberg have in store, but the chronology allows them to bring back anyone they want. Maybe even Darth Vader, like some are already speculating? And what about that samurai-influenced film Zack Snyder recently denied being involved with? That rumor didn't just come out of nowhere.